Returned to the river today after three weeks away. The changes were enormous. Lower water levels meant many more mudflats, which made navigation challenging. And the current in places was very strong.

We went about 7 miles upstream, but our searches for a dry landing spot for lunch were in vain. So we retreated to Cochiti Canyon, and getting out of the boats meant almost knee-deep mud.

But the rock cliffs, herons, turkey vultures, hawks, ravens, ducks, spotted sandpipers, swallows, and solitude made for a memorable outing.